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Timothy J Finnerty Date of Birth: July 15, 1968 Department: Emerging Markets- Repos Position: Partner and Senior Broker in charge of EM-Repos When you think of Tim, one always sees his smiling grin. That was Tim, a happy sociable guy, and “extrovert from day one” as his father has said. He loved people and people loved him back. You couldn’t help it. His former coach has said, “Tim wore you down with niceness.” It couldn’t have been said better. Tim was always one step ahead in thinking about and helping others, ensuring that everyone he knew and loved had what they needed or liked-from a good bottle of wine to a decorative snowman floral arrangement for a Christmas table; from starting a young nephew’s college fund to beginning a good card game. He even saw when a tired mom needed a “kid break.” Tim was the reason his childhood friends stayed together to this day, their strong link was “Finn,” and without doubt, this link will remain because of him. A true family man, tim enjoyed countless family gatherings, as well as annual family vacations. He mostly cherished the vacations he shared with his wife, “quality time” as they referred to them. Tim was also the family’s barbecue king, being counted on for the juiciest burgers, flavored with his enthusiasm. His ways were all selfless, a devoted husband, constantly concerned about his wife, a son who loved his Dad’s company, reminiscing their fondest memories, a basketball coach for youths for whom he was eager to teach the game, an uncle that was known to become one of the kids and have fun. In fact, Tim really enjoyed a good time. This was clearly evident at many friend and family’s weddings when he took center stage with his crazy dances. Tim was more than thoughtful, he saw and acted upon beyond which was just in front of him. He exuded generosity, and humbleness as well. As wonderful a man as he was, never did he have a “better than you” attitude. Surely his goodness rubbed off on those around him. You couldn’t help but to better yourself in his presence. We know he is smiling and grinning down from heaven and is seeing the wondrous ripple effect of his goodness, only to have been accelerated by his absence. To have known Tim is truly to have known love. We’ll miss him dearly but will never, ever be without him. For Timothy Joseph Finnerty, we will continue to spread the love he shared in order to make this world a better place. Tim is a great guy. He would always be there for you. He was a sweet guy and he still is. Even though you can’t see him he will always be in your heart. He died because he was good for Earth. We will never forget about you Tim. You’re a great guy. – Written by Tim’s 8 year old nephew Kieran Cassillo.
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When you think of Tim, one always sees his smiling grin. That was Tim, a happy sociable guy, and “extrovert from day one” as his father has said. He loved people and people loved him back. You couldn’t help it. His former coach has said, “Tim wore you down with niceness.” It couldn’t have been said better. Tim was always one step ahead in thinking about and helping others, ensuring that everyone he knew and loved had what they needed or liked-from a good bottle of wine to a decorative snowman floral arrangement for a Christmas table; from starting a young nephew’s college fund to beginning a good card game. He even saw when a tired mom needed a “kid break.” Tim was the reason his childhood friends stayed together to this day, their strong link was “Finn,” and without doubt, this link will remain because of him. A true family man, tim enjoyed countless family gatherings, as well as annual family vacations. He mostly cherished the vacations he shared with his wife, “quality time” as they referred to them. Tim was also the family’s barbecue king, being counted on for the juiciest burgers, flavored with his enthusiasm. His ways were all selfless, a devoted husband, constantly concerned about his wife, a son who loved his Dad’s company, reminiscing their fondest memories, a basketball coach for youths for whom he was eager to teach the game, an uncle that was known to become one of the kids and have fun. In fact, Tim really enjoyed a good time. This was clearly evident at many friend and family’s weddings when he took center stage with his crazy dances. Tim was more than thoughtful, he saw and acted upon beyond which was just in front of him. He exuded generosity, and humbleness as well. As wonderful a man as he was, never did he have a “better than you” attitude. Surely his goodness rubbed off on those around him. You couldn’t help but to better yourself in his presence. We know he is smiling and grinning down from heaven and is seeing the wondrous ripple effect of his goodness, only to have been accelerated by his absence. To have known Tim is truly to have known love. We’ll miss him dearly but will never, ever be without him. For Timothy Joseph Finnerty, we will continue to spread the love he shared in order to make this world a better place.
Tim is a great guy. He would always be there for you. He was a sweet guy and he still is. Even though you can’t see him he will always be in your heart. He died because he was good for Earth. We will never forget about you Tim. You’re a great guy. – Written by Tim’s 8 year old nephew Kieran Cassillo.
As everyone knows that has ever met Tim, he has the most magical smile and the greatest passion for Basketball. Tim gave my husband and I the best advice for our wedding. He said to just stop in the middle and take everything in together. Notice who is dancing, chatting,kissing. He said that this advice was given to him prior to his wedding day which was the best day of his life and he didn’t miss a thing. This weekend, I am running the NYC Marathon. Mile 15 crossing over the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan is dedicated to Tim. I will be wearing an American flag with his name on it. It will be Tim’s attitude to push yourself hard to achieve your goals that will get me across that bridge and I will do it with a BIG Tim Finnerty smile.
Although I knew Tim had many friends from all of his various interests, he always made me feel like I was one of only a handful. Often we would go long periods of time between getting together and yet whenever I saw him he would ask about my wife and two little boys by name. To me it was this special interest that Tim showed in the numerous people he cared about that made him remarkable. He was an incredibly caring guy and someone who would always find time for people, no matter how busy he was. I’ll miss him.
Tim was the second of our two sons. Kevin, his brother, was regarded as the smart one by others. Even Tim would say it,but I would only challenge Tim to be the best that he could be and to forget the labels. I’m happy to say that Tim listened since he couldn’t possibly be better than he was as a son,husband, brother and friend. His mother died without seeing the wonderful person Tim grew to be. Now she is with him again. Thirty three years which seemed like a moment and only good things to remind me of Tim.I love(d) you Tim and I know you love me. Dad.
Tim was one of us. One in a group of many that viewed the world relatively the same way; finding common ground in the the awkwardness of adolescence, the insanity of college life, and then the responsibility of career and family. Most of “us” is based on humor, so Tim fit right in. But,it was in our most serious times when we grew a little closer,which we’ve been doing in light of what has occurred. Since this nightmare began, it seems that the guys and girls of our group have made it their personal tribute to Tim to live a little better, laugh a little louder. I would just like to thank Tim for contributing to “us” while he was here, and continuing his legacy since he has been gone. Tim, you will always remain in my heart and my mind.
Tim,
My buddy with a plaid shirt for any occassion!!! I miss our daily jokes, me shouting across the desk about your snazzy, hip outfit and you just yelling back “Jill… you can’t copy this style”and trying to tease me about my hair or something. I really enjoyed working with you. I loved that you were just a regular, grounded guy with such an easy going nature. I loved your spirit. I remember when I met you and you were just a lone guy trying to create a business and you really built on!. I was so proud of you. I feel very fortunate to have shared both good and challenging times at Cantor with you.
And yes, you could dance…..for a white, balding guy 🙂
Thank you for being you.
Jill
I went downtown a few nights after the attack occurred. I wanted to see for myself the misery created that day. But what I found myself mostly looking at was the air, the void where the towers used to be. I remembered how before September 11 I would stare up at two buildings bigger than anything I’d ever seen. Now there was nothing but darkness. In that darkness I looked to where I figured Tim’s office had been and I tried to picture him. I saw him smiling and laughing, the way Tim always seemed to be, although I had no idea if he was like that at work. But I found that seeing him there in the darkness in the sky made me smile a little too. It made that giant dark void that has been left in all of our hearts, a little less painful. So I will remember Tim not just for all the happiness and fun he brought people during his life, but for the comfort that smile and that laugh can bring us all now. And I will remember it, and him, forever.
In early September, Tim called our house because he & T were having a fantasy football party and Tim realized he had forgotten to tell us about it, since Dave doesn’t do fantasy football. He wanted to make sure we knew he wanted us there. When I thought about the call later, I thought it so perfectly described the type of person Tim was: thoughtful even about the small things others don’t notice. I only knew Tim for a few years, but in that time I saw a lot: from his obvious love for T to his ability to remember explicit details of baseball games from childhood to the effect he had on people: it was impossible not to like him. I am honored I got to know him, if even for a short time. He and his family will always be in my heart.
Since the first time I met Tim, I knew he was someone very special. Tim had such a loving personality and good heart, one that you don’t find in many people. My sister and I loved him, we always told each other that he’s the kind of guy we wanted to marry. My mom knew it, too. She said we’d be so lucky to ever find a guy that great. Tim was as close to perfect as I’ve seen, maybe too perfect for this world. God took him from us entirely too soon, but at least I know that now there’s another angel in Heaven watching over us. You made this world a better place just by being in it, Tim. You’re unforgettable. I love you.
Tim,
My first boss. When you spend ten hours a day sitting next to someone, you really get to know everything about them. I will always remember everything I learned from you and all the great times we had. I will never forget you.
Your pal,
Tommy
My sister is married to Tim’s wife Theresa’s, brother. All of the Kennedys were happy to meet another Irishman amoung the Italian clan – that is until he started beating us all at poker collectively, and then individually at Gin. 🙂
We were all impressed with his immediate affection and attention to our nephews and, of course, his clearly visible true love for Theresa. He is a beautiful person with a spirit we were immediately and forever touched by, regardless of the only semi-annual family gatherings where our day to day lives entwined. Just seeing that signature smile of his – you couldn’t help but smile back – what a wonderful gift.
Tim was the best uncle you could find. He took me places, taught me how to play games (chess, backgammon, gin rummy, spit), and also always made me my favorite lunch when I went there (ham and mustard). He was taken to HEAVEN by GOD because he was too good for this world. This world was like an amateur for him when he was an expert. Buying people things, spending his free time coaching basketball, and being a role model for growing children. We all miss him very much but instead of crying for him, be happy for him. Pray for him and just think about one day meeting him in HEAVEN (and his mom).I know someday I will meet him there and I’ll pray that all you will too. =)
Timothy Finnerty (I love that name) burst into our family one day and right into our hearts. I like to think that we taught Tim how to hug hello and goodbye. He became very good at it. He loves the Italian food almost as much as he loves ‘T’, and you can’t love more than that. I used to worry over who my little baby daughter would marry. I don’t worry anymore. To say Tim’s a great guy just doesn’t do it justice. He is the most genuine person you could ever meet. Tim became a Son and a friend to me very quickly. I love Tim. I will never, ever forget him. I don’t care if he is a Yankee fan.
Timothy. Totally trustworthy.
Thank you for lavishing your love, passion, joy and kindness upon my beloved sister Theresa. Thank you for trusting God. Thank you for showing all the rest of us how to enjoy life, family, friends and sports even more.
Let’s get going team! Tim’s coaching!
I love you brother.
Tim – There was something about you that made me want to be around you and see you smile. I don’t think it was your humor and it wasn’t just your smile. It wasn’t the way you always came to visit when you were in town, or the way you played with the kids or how you made them sense completely and geniunely that you loved them by the special quality time you spent with them. It wasn’t just your generosity and it wan’t just your thoughtfulness. No, it wasn’t just the way you loved a good game of football in the sand or the way you loved to share a conversation either. No, it wasn’t only the random acts of kindness like offering to run to the store to get some more ice for the party or leaving behind your brand new fishing pole at our house for us to use. No, I don’t think it was the way you were always quick to lend a hand in any way you could. I’m sure it wasn’t the way you put everybody else first. I doubt it was just because you enthusiastically enjoyed making other people happy. No, I don’t think it was any of these things that made me want to spend time with you and see you smile. IT WAS ALL OF THEM!!!! You were a gift from heaven above straight into our family. So heaven had lent you to us temporarily. Who knew? The time could not have been more well spent. The treasure chest of memories in my heart will never fade. I love you forever. Your brother-in-law, Jimmy
P.S. There may be sad moments ahead when I am reminded of you, but they will only be followed by a smile of how wonderfully blessed I was to have known you. I will do my best to keep my chin up. I will not let my tears flow down for long when I get sad if I am thinking about you, because it would be letting you down. In your new eternal life I know I can only honor you by keeping my chin up and being there for others. You taught me well by your example and I will get it right. I will do you justice (no not David Justice) by carrying on your tradition of loving, giving and serving others. That is what you have taught me and that is what I will do. I will love you forever Tim. Your friend, Jim
I was fortunate to have been Tim’s boss for six years, and even more fortunate to be his friend for longer. I was introduced to Tim by one of my best friends, and like many others, sensed that he was a special person. He was the first person I hired at Cantor, and it was a decision that I never regretted. Tim was a person that defined what friendship and loyalty stood for, and he lived his life that way. I still spoke to him almost daily after I left Cantor, and I still miss those calls. We would talk about a number of topics, but we would always have a good laugh. I watched Tim grow as a professional and as a person, and feel very lucky to have had him in my life. I told someone recently that I would consider myself a success as a father if my son bore a resemblance to Tim and the way he lived his life. I will always miss having him as a part of my life.
I was a bit reluctant to write because at Wagner Tim was a bit closer to Jim Engles, Scott Fiedler, Sean Brennan, Whitey, Toby, etc. But as I read I am reminded of the great Karma Tim had. Prior to coaching at Wagner, when Tim was at Fordham they had the best seasons they had in years. Before Tim came to Wagner we stunk. When he was there we were good, after he left I was forced into early retirement. Tim’s Karma wasn’t luck, it was a feel, a knack, of knowing what and when to say and do things. When I was nervous he would come to my office and say “lets rap.” They can’t teach what he had in Graduate School. Tim also had a savvy about him that made him a great recruiter. When he wasn’t sure what a recruit was thinking about Wagner, he’d say, “let’s ‘Wilke’ him”. He would pretend to be Dave Wilke from the Northeastern Recruiting Service, and get every piece of information he needed to get the recruit signed or get out. I thought he made up a great name, until today when I read these beautiful tributes. The term Wilke is now used by several staffs in the country when they pull this move.
Finn-I can see you smiling!!!
I used to like to play mini baseball with him. Me and my cousins used to play ball tag on the lawn of his house. I like Uncle Tim. We used to play lots of games with him. I feel happy because he’s in heaven! I feel sad because he’s not here. Me and my cousins used to play football with him on the beach. I love you Uncle Tim.
Your 7 year old Daniel !!!
I first met Tim down the shore around 1990. It was a random meeting at a beach house. Turns out he knew my future sister in law Regina and my college roommate Dennis both from Rutherford. He struck me at the time as such an honest, genuine guy. Some time later I met Tim again on the Bergen line train and we would talk on the way to the Rutherford stop. Years past without seeing Tim and his wide smile when I came across him sitting on the train with my cousin, a collegue at Cantor, Steve Schlag. I approached the two, ignored Schlag and began to talk to Tim about us both having moved to Glen Rock. Schlag was confused and Tim and I began to laugh before Schlag realized Tim and I had been friends for some time. That was the summer of 2001.
Tim and I had many seemingly random meetings over the years. But each time I saw him, it was as if we had always been in touch. That’s what I will remember most about Tim; his way of making everyone feel instantly at ease…and that smile.
Today is your birthday Tim . I remember celebrating so many of them in Rockaway. The picture of you and your grandfathers has been on my dresser for years. It was your 1st birthday and it was the only one with Grandpa Spiak. I visited the graves today, yours, Mom’s and Grandma and Grandpa’s.I continue to pray for you since I don’t know what else I can do.I miss you so much. Eternal rest,son. Love,Dad.
I was once married to cousin “Joey”; that was long ago, but I still remember you. Each time I watch ER, I see you in Mark Greene, but I’m sure others see the same. Ironically, he’s not there anymore either…..Anyway, Dan and Colleen just had another baby, a beautiful little boy named Timothy Patrick. You should see him. I am still very close to Dan and Colleen. Kelly and I see them many times each week and now as the anniversary nears, you are ever more so in our thoughts. Peace, Tim.
Tim, It is one year since we last spoke with each other. The year went so fast;the year went so slowly.There will always be sadness about your leaving us but each day I am able to see my gladness and happiness of having you as my son.My prayers and love are with you today and always.Dad.
Tim,
Simply,
You are the best person I have ever had the priveldge of sharing time with. No day passes without thought of you my friend.
We will all miss you.
Eternal rest, Tim.
Love Dan & Terry Mertnes
When you entered peoples lives you touched their hearts.
When you made a friend, it was a friend for life.
When you spoke, it was with the love and passion for life and the things in it.
We miss your voice. We miss your laughter. But most of all, we miss you.
You have touched our lives and entered our hearts. Your spirit and friendship will remain with us forever. Our lives are better having known you.
We miss you and love you, and not a day goes by that we don’t think of you.
Growing up in Rutherford in the 70’s Tim was my best friend,we would spend counless hours playing ANY sport we could find.Tim turned out to be a great basketball player but i remember the baseball player,Tim could lay down the bunt from the right side with the best of them and as a first baseman in little league scooped up more than a few of my errant throws.Tim was a big Yankee/Steeler fan and we watched those great times of the late 70’s.As time went on we drifted apart but whenever id hear his unmistakable laugh it was childhood again, i wish we never drifted apart…………..
It’s nearing the Holidays. Your brother-in-law Al gets angry at me when I tell him that I miss you more during these times. He says I should be happier for you being where you are. I know he’s right but I can’t help wishing you were here. We miss you a lot, and always will.
It is the beginning of another New Year.Time flies,things change in so many ways and yet on that one day and in that moment everything remains as it was.I continue to think about you every day,especially now during basketball season.There are so many reminders of you at Queen of Peace that I can almost hear you at the games.
Rest in peace,Love Dad